Altona Magic’s Aaron O’Driscoll injured in NPL Victoria clash

An ambulance was called and a game abandoned after a soccer player suffered a serious back injury at the weekend. Watch the incident.

A NPL Victoria men’s match was abandoned at half-time on Sunday after a player was hospitalised.

Altona Magic’s Aaron O’Driscoll was taken to hospital after he collided with Oakleigh Cannon’s Alex Salmon in the air as they contested a cross.

Footage of the incident showed Magic teammates, most notably goalkeeper Hayden Browne, immediately call for medical attention as O’Driscoll hit the ground in the 45th minute, just seconds out from half-time.

Play was immediately stopped with medical staff from the Magic running onto the pitch.

Football Victoria released a statement addressing the incident.

“During Sunday’s NPL Victoria Men’s match between Oakleigh Cannons and Altona Magic, a player was injured and transported by ambulance for treatment,” it said.

“Football Victoria wishes the player involved all the best for a speedy recovery.

The match was abandoned and Football Victoria can confirm it will be replayed in full at a future date.”

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson confirmed paramedics attended Jack Edwards Reserve.

“A man believed to be in his 20s was treated for a back injury and taken to the Alfred in a stable condition,” they said.

Oakleigh was leading 3-0 when the game was abandoned by officials.

Salmon had opened the scoring after a powerful finish into the roof of the net to complete a stunning Oakleigh counter from a Magic corner.

Stefan Valentini made it two with a beautifully timed volley that went into the back of the net off the post.

Emlyn Wellsmore produced a well placed finish into the left corner to make it three after cutting inside off the right wing.